Enjoy fishing, dune buggying and more on your getaway to this classic Southern Oregon Coast town.
Winchester Bay, a small community on the South Coast, is an outdoor lover’s paradise for family-friendly recreation. Surrounding an active harbor where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific, visitors have easy access to the Oregon Dunes, fishing charters and unpretentious seafood restaurants that focus on the catch of the day, and all the hiking and water fun you can imagine. Here are some ideas for a getaway to one of the Southern Oregon Coast’s adventure hot spots.
Day 1: Dune Buggying and Fish and Chips
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area’s soft, wind-sculpted sand hills stretch 40 miles from Florence to the Coos Bay area. Winchester Bay offers direct access to the Umpqua Dunes — the tallest in the area — and there’s no better way to appreciate these 500-foot marvels than seated in an all-terrain vehicle.
Kick off your first day by renting one from Ridin’ Dirty ATV Rentals or Twist-It ATV Rentals. Both outfits provide single- and multi-rider vehicles and gear for all ages and experience levels. For more information about the dunes, contact the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area district office in nearby Reedsport.
Fish and chips hit the spot after zipping around the dunes all day, and Crabby’s Bar + Grill at the Salmon Harbor Marina is a favorite for seafood classics. Enjoy live music, seafood and cold beer nearby at the Blue Box Seafood Company, which opens for the season at the end of May. The family- and pup-friendly outdoor space features picnic tables, cornhole games and sandwiches with albacore tuna caught off the Oregon Coast.
Next, head back to your modern cabin or full RV hookup at Umpqua Dunes RV Park. If you’re looking for great camping, nearby Eel Creek Campground has 38 campsites accommodating both tents and small RVs. For a time-honored Oregon lake lodge experience, book a room at the secluded Loon Lake Lodge & RV Resort, just upriver in Reedsport.
Day 2: Deep-Sea Fishing and Crabbing
Wake up with an espresso and warm cinnamon roll from Salmon Harbor Cafe & Mercantile and set off for a day of fishing for species like salmon, steelhead, rockfish or albacore with an experienced guide. Among a range of options, SOA Charters and Northwest Oregon Outfitters offer private charter trips, guided by knowledgeable captains. For do-it-yourself fresh seafood from shore, you’ll need a shellfish license for crab and a fishing license for fish — be sure to check if you need an ocean endorsement, new in 2026. Salmon Harbor Tackle has bait and crabbing equipment for sale or rent. Cast a line from the south jetty; the crab dock is a popular spot for tossing out traps.
After reeling in your catch — or if the day proves to be a bit too misty for outdoor fun — spend the afternoon at the fascinating Umpqua Discovery Center. Here you’ll find natural-history exhibits; stories from Indigenous people and pioneering settlers; and scientific instruments used to measure wind, rain and ocean conditions.
End the day with a sustainable-seafood dinner at the upscale Kismet’s Landing, or enjoy a frosty pint of a house-brewed craft beer at Two Shy Brewing, both nearby in Reedsport.
Day 3: Nature Hikes and the Umpqua River Lighthouse
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast sandwich with sausage and Tillamook cheddar at Highwater Cafe & Market in Reedsport, and lace up your boots for the trails. Winchester Bay is located near several hikes. About 7 miles south of town, the challenging 5.2-mile out-and-back John Dellenback Dunes Trail winds through conifer forest before taking you over the dunes and to a sandy beach. Get your day pass ahead of time.
Have kiddos in tow? Lake Marie Trail is less than 2 miles south of town in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, which also hosts campers. The easy 1-mile path loops through a peaceful forest to the shores of the picturesque lake. Parking permits are required for the state park.
Walk about five minutes from Lake Marie, and your whole crew can take a guided tour — be sure to book ahead — up the spiral staircase to the top of the iconic 65-foot Umpqua River Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1890 to guide boats in and near Winchester Bay with a distinctive flashing red-and-white light.
– By Michelle Kehm
– Top photo by Manuela Durson / Travel Southern Oregon Coast